US20050184157A1 - Price verification method, device and program product - Google Patents
Price verification method, device and program product Download PDFInfo
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- US20050184157A1 US20050184157A1 US10/784,043 US78404304A US2005184157A1 US 20050184157 A1 US20050184157 A1 US 20050184157A1 US 78404304 A US78404304 A US 78404304A US 2005184157 A1 US2005184157 A1 US 2005184157A1
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G06Q30/00—Commerce
- G06Q30/06—Buying, selling or leasing transactions
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
- G06K7/00—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns
- G06K7/10—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation
- G06K7/10544—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation by scanning of the records by radiation in the optical part of the electromagnetic spectrum
- G06K7/10821—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation by scanning of the records by radiation in the optical part of the electromagnetic spectrum further details of bar or optical code scanning devices
- G06K7/10881—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation by scanning of the records by radiation in the optical part of the electromagnetic spectrum further details of bar or optical code scanning devices constructional details of hand-held scanners
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- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07G—REGISTERING THE RECEIPT OF CASH, VALUABLES, OR TOKENS
- G07G1/00—Cash registers
- G07G1/0036—Checkout procedures
- G07G1/0045—Checkout procedures with a code reader for reading of an identifying code of the article to be registered, e.g. barcode reader or radio-frequency identity [RFID] reader
Definitions
- the present invention generally relates to a price verification method, device and program product. Specifically, the present invention provides an automated way for a consumer to compare a listed or advertised price for an item to a register-based price as determined by a cash register or the like.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,250,789 discloses a device that allows a shopper to enter a shopping list and then check off items with a barcode scanner.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,424,524 shows a device that allows shoppers to scan items as they shop and then integrate with the store's database to obtain the prices.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,640,002 shows a device with a barcode scanner that is integrated with a store's database.
- None of the previous attempts provides a way to verify a store's price against a listed (printed) price. Specifically, the previous attempts typically rely on a store's database. As such, there is no way of verifying whether the store's database price matches a listed price for an item.
- a need for a price verification method, device and program product Specifically a need exists for a device that is capable of both scanning a barcode printed on a label associated with an item, and reading a price for the item as printed on the label. A further need exists for the price to be stored within the device for later comparison to a register-based price. Another need exists for the comparison to be made manually by a consumer, or automatically by the device. In the case of the latter, a need exists for the device to be able to read the register-based price from a receipt, or for the device to be capable of communicating with the register.
- the present invention provides a price verification method, device and program product.
- the price verification device typically includes a barcode scanner, an Optical Character Recognition (OCR) reader and an optional key pad.
- OCR Optical Character Recognition
- a consumer will scan a barcode printed on a label associated with the item using the barcode scanner, and read the price for the item as printed on the label using the OCR reader. The consumer can then optionally input a quantity for the item using the key pad. Thereafter, the final price for the item will be stored within the device.
- OCR Optical Character Recognition
- the comparison can be made by manually comparing the receipt against the final price stored in the device.
- the device itself can perform the comparison.
- the comparison can be made by reading the register-based price from the receipt using the OCR reader, or by placing the device in communication with the register to receive the register-based price.
- a first aspect of the present invention provides a price verification method, comprising: providing a price verification device having a barcode scanner and an Optical Character Recognition (OCR) reader; scanning a barcode corresponding to an item as printed on a label associated with the item using the barcode scanner; reading a price for the item as printed on the label using the OCR reader; storing the price for the item within the price verification device; and comparing the stored price to a register-based price for the item as determined by a register to verify an accuracy of the stored price.
- OCR Optical Character Recognition
- a second aspect of the present invention provides a price verification device, comprising: a barcode scanner for scanning a barcode corresponding to an item as printed on a label associated with the item; an optical character recognition (OCR) reader for reading a price for the item printed on the label; and a storage unit for storing the price for the item as read by the OCR reader for comparison to a register-based price for the item as determined by a register.
- OCR optical character recognition
- a third aspect of the present invention provides a price verification device, comprising: a barcode system for controlling a barcode scanner on the device that scans a barcode corresponding to an item from a label associated with the item; an Optical Character Recognition (OCR) system for controlling an OCR reader of the device that reads a price for the item from the label; and a storage system for storing the price for comparison to a register-based price for the item as determined by a register.
- OCR Optical Character Recognition
- a fourth aspect of the present invention provides a program product stored on a recordable medium for verifying a price of an item, which when executed, comprises: program code for controlling a barcode scanner on the device that scans a barcode corresponding to an item from a label associated with the item; program code for controlling an Optical Character Recognition (OCR) reader of the device that reads a price for the item from the label; and program code for storing the price for comparison to a register-based price for the item as determined by a register.
- OCR Optical Character Recognition
- the present invention provides a price verification method, device and program product.
- FIG. 1 depicts an price verification device according to the present invention.
- FIG. 2 depicts the device of FIG. 1 in greater detail.
- FIG. 3 depicts an illustrative label associated with an item according to the present invention.
- FIG. 4 depicts the device of FIGS. 1 and 2 as used to scan and read the label of FIG. 3 according to the present invention.
- FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary receipt according to the present invention.
- the present invention provides a price verification method, device and program product.
- the price verification device typically includes a barcode scanner, an Optical Character Recognition (OCR) reader and an optional key pad.
- OCR Optical Character Recognition
- a consumer will scan a barcode printed on a label associated with the item using the barcode scanner, and read the price for the item as printed on the label using the OCR reader. The consumer can then optionally input a quantity for the item using the key pad. Thereafter, the final price for the item will be stored within the device.
- OCR Optical Character Recognition
- the comparison can be made by manually comparing the receipt against the final price stored in the device.
- the device itself can perform the comparison.
- the comparison can be made by reading the register-based price from the receipt using the OCR reader, or by placing the device in communication with the register to receive the register-based price.
- device 10 an illustrative price verification device (hereinafter “device”) 10 according to the present invention is shown.
- device 10 could be a personal digital assistant or any other type of portable device.
- device 10 includes barcode reader 12 and Optical Character Recognition (OCR) reader 14 .
- OCR Optical Character Recognition
- device 10 could also include a receiver for receiving signals from other electronic devices such as a cash register.
- Device 10 is also shown including an optional key pad 16 to allow a consumer to input a quantity corresponding to a purchased item.
- bar code scanner 12 and OCR reader 14 can be implemented as separate components (as shown in FIG. 2 ), or they could be implemented as a single component on device 10 .
- device 10 generally comprises key pad 16 , central processing unit (CPU) 20 , memory 22 , bus 24 , input/output (I/O) interfaces 26 and storage unit 28 .
- CPU 20 may comprise a single processing unit, or be distributed across one or more processing units in one or more locations, e.g., on a client and server.
- Memory 22 may comprise any known type of data storage and/or transmission media, including magnetic media, optical media, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), a data cache, etc.
- memory 22 may reside at a single physical location, comprising one or more types of data storage, or be distributed across a plurality of physical systems in various forms.
- I/O interfaces 26 may comprise any system for exchanging information to/from an external source such as key pad 16 .
- other external devices/resources such as speakers, a CRT, LCD screen, handheld device, keyboard, mouse, voice recognition system, speech output system, printer, monitor/display may be incorporated into device 10 .
- Bus 24 provides a communication link between each of the components in device 10 and likewise may comprise any known type of transmission link, including electrical, optical, wireless, etc.
- Storage unit 28 can be any system (e.g., database) capable of providing storage for information under the present invention. Such information could include, for example, final prices, etc. As such, storage unit 28 could include one or more storage devices, such as a magnetic disk drive or an optical disk drive. Although not shown, additional components, such as cache memory, communication systems, system software, etc., may be incorporated into device 10 .
- verification system 30 Shown in memory 22 of device 10 as a program product is verification system 30 , which includes barcode system 32 , OCR system 34 , quantity system 36 , price calculation system 38 , storage system 40 , comparison system 42 and communication system 44 .
- barcode system 32 contains the program code/logic necessary for controlling barcode scanner 12
- OCR system 34 contains the program code/logic for controlling OCR reader 14 and for converting the readings taken thereby into standard characters.
- systems 32 and 34 could incorporate the teachings of any barcode or OCR software now known or later developed.
- Label 46 can be an advertisement, a label affixed to the item, a label positioned on a shelf holding item 45 in the retail store, etc.
- label 46 will include a barcode 50 that specifically identifies item 45 as well as a price 52 corresponding thereto. Referring to FIG. 3 , label 46 is shown in greater detail. As more clearly depicted, label 46 includes printed barcode 50 and printed price 52 .
- the consumer will scan barcode 50 using barcode scanner 12 of device 10 .
- the scanned image will be received and recognized by barcode system 32 ( FIG. 2 ).
- the consumer will also read price 52 for item 45 ( FIG. 2 ) that is printed on label 46 using OCR reader 14 .
- OCR system 34 FIG. 2
- the consumer can then optionally input a quantity for item 45 using key pad 16 (if device 10 includes key pad 16 ). If a quantity is input, it will be received by quantity system 36 ( FIG. 2 ).
- receipt 48 is shown in greater detail. As depicted, receipt 48 lists a set of items 60 purchased by the consumer as well as their corresponding register-based prices 62 . Under the present invention, register-based prices 62 would be compared against the final prices for set of items 60 as stored in storage unit 28 . Assume in this example that “Item 1 ” on receipt 48 corresponds to item 45 of FIG. 2 .
- the final price for item 45 was $2.99 (a quantity of “1”).
- the discrepancy would be detected by comparing the register-based price printed on receipt 48 to the final price stored in device 10 .
- the comparison can be made in a number of ways.
- the consumer will obtain receipt 48 as printed by cash register 49 and manually compare the register-based price for item 46 printed thereon to the final price stored in device 10 .
- consumer can read the register-based price printed on receipt 48 using OCR reader 14 and OCR system 34 . Once the register-based price has been received, comparison system 42 can make the comparison automatically and inform the consumer if a discrepancy exists.
- device 10 can communicate with cash register 49 directly.
- the communication between device 10 and cash register 49 can occur through a wireless connection, or via a hardwired connection.
- device 10 could include a receiver 18 for receiving information from cash register 49 .
- the price information could be received by communication system 44 and passed to comparison system 42 for the comparison against the final price as stored in storage unit 28 .
- This type of wireless communication could be implemented similar to the known manner in which personal digital assistants and other wireless devices exchange information with each other (commonly known as “beaming”).
- cash register 49 could include a docking port or cradle into which device 10 is “plugged” or “docked.” Once a connection has been established, the register-based price information could be communicated to device 10 via communication system 44 .
- the present invention thus provides numerous advantages over previous embodiments. Specifically, not only can it be used to track price discrepancies between a list price and a price actually charged, but it can also be used to track price increases or decreases, find un-advertised sales, track pricing differentiation among stores, etc.
- the present invention can be realized in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. Any kind of computer system(s)—or other apparatus adapted for carrying out the methods described herein—is suited.
- a typical combination of hardware and software could be a general purpose computer system with a computer program that, when loaded and executed, carries out the respective methods described herein.
- a specific use computer containing specialized hardware for carrying out one or more of the functional tasks of the invention, could be utilized.
- the present invention can also be embedded in a computer program product, which comprises all the respective features enabling the implementation of the methods described herein, and which—when loaded in a computer system—is able to carry out these methods.
- Computer program, software program, program, or software in the present context mean any expression, in any language, code or notation, of a set of instructions intended to cause a system having an information processing capability to perform a particular function either directly or after either or both of the following: (a) conversion to another language, code or notation; and/or (b) reproduction in a different material form.
Abstract
Description
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention generally relates to a price verification method, device and program product. Specifically, the present invention provides an automated way for a consumer to compare a listed or advertised price for an item to a register-based price as determined by a cash register or the like.
- 2. Related Art
- In the retail world, it is often the case that prices listed for items are inaccurate. Specifically, many consumers have experienced instances where a price listed for an item does not match the actual price charged. The inaccuracies can not only occur in advertisements, but in the retail store as well. For example, a consumer might observe one price on a label associated with an item (e.g., a label affixed to the item or on the shelf that holds the item), but be charged a different price when checking out of the retail store. Studies have shown that when such price discrepancies occur, the consumer is more likely to suffer a loss than a gain. Expecting the consumer to remember listed prices for all items they intend to purchase is neither convenient nor realistic.
- To date, many devices have been developed for enhancing a consumer's shopping experience. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,250,789 discloses a device that allows a shopper to enter a shopping list and then check off items with a barcode scanner. U.S. Pat. No. 5,424,524 shows a device that allows shoppers to scan items as they shop and then integrate with the store's database to obtain the prices. Still yet, U.S. Pat. No. 5,640,002 shows a device with a barcode scanner that is integrated with a store's database. Unfortunately, none of the previous attempts provides a way to verify a store's price against a listed (printed) price. Specifically, the previous attempts typically rely on a store's database. As such, there is no way of verifying whether the store's database price matches a listed price for an item.
- In view of the foregoing, there exists a need for a price verification method, device and program product. Specifically a need exists for a device that is capable of both scanning a barcode printed on a label associated with an item, and reading a price for the item as printed on the label. A further need exists for the price to be stored within the device for later comparison to a register-based price. Another need exists for the comparison to be made manually by a consumer, or automatically by the device. In the case of the latter, a need exists for the device to be able to read the register-based price from a receipt, or for the device to be capable of communicating with the register.
- In general, the present invention provides a price verification method, device and program product. Specifically, under the present invention, the price verification device typically includes a barcode scanner, an Optical Character Recognition (OCR) reader and an optional key pad. To verify a price for an item, a consumer will scan a barcode printed on a label associated with the item using the barcode scanner, and read the price for the item as printed on the label using the OCR reader. The consumer can then optionally input a quantity for the item using the key pad. Thereafter, the final price for the item will be stored within the device. When the consumer checks-out, he/she can compare the stored price for the item to a register-based price as determined by a (cash) register. Under the present invention, the comparison can be made by manually comparing the receipt against the final price stored in the device. Alternatively, the device itself can perform the comparison. In the case of the latter, the comparison can be made by reading the register-based price from the receipt using the OCR reader, or by placing the device in communication with the register to receive the register-based price.
- A first aspect of the present invention provides a price verification method, comprising: providing a price verification device having a barcode scanner and an Optical Character Recognition (OCR) reader; scanning a barcode corresponding to an item as printed on a label associated with the item using the barcode scanner; reading a price for the item as printed on the label using the OCR reader; storing the price for the item within the price verification device; and comparing the stored price to a register-based price for the item as determined by a register to verify an accuracy of the stored price.
- A second aspect of the present invention provides a price verification device, comprising: a barcode scanner for scanning a barcode corresponding to an item as printed on a label associated with the item; an optical character recognition (OCR) reader for reading a price for the item printed on the label; and a storage unit for storing the price for the item as read by the OCR reader for comparison to a register-based price for the item as determined by a register.
- A third aspect of the present invention provides a price verification device, comprising: a barcode system for controlling a barcode scanner on the device that scans a barcode corresponding to an item from a label associated with the item; an Optical Character Recognition (OCR) system for controlling an OCR reader of the device that reads a price for the item from the label; and a storage system for storing the price for comparison to a register-based price for the item as determined by a register.
- A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a program product stored on a recordable medium for verifying a price of an item, which when executed, comprises: program code for controlling a barcode scanner on the device that scans a barcode corresponding to an item from a label associated with the item; program code for controlling an Optical Character Recognition (OCR) reader of the device that reads a price for the item from the label; and program code for storing the price for comparison to a register-based price for the item as determined by a register.
- Therefore, the present invention provides a price verification method, device and program product.
- These and other features of this invention will be more readily understood from the following detailed description of the various aspects of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
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FIG. 1 depicts an price verification device according to the present invention. -
FIG. 2 depicts the device ofFIG. 1 in greater detail. -
FIG. 3 depicts an illustrative label associated with an item according to the present invention. -
FIG. 4 depicts the device ofFIGS. 1 and 2 as used to scan and read the label ofFIG. 3 according to the present invention. -
FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary receipt according to the present invention. - It is noted that the drawings of the invention are not necessarily to scale. The drawings are merely schematic representations, not intended to portray specific parameters of the invention. The drawings are intended to depict only typical embodiments of the invention, and therefore should not be considered as limiting the scope of the invention. In the drawings, like numbering represents like elements.
- As indicated above, the present invention provides a price verification method, device and program product. Specifically, under the present invention, the price verification device typically includes a barcode scanner, an Optical Character Recognition (OCR) reader and an optional key pad. To verify a price for an item, a consumer will scan a barcode printed on a label associated with the item using the barcode scanner, and read the price for the item as printed on the label using the OCR reader. The consumer can then optionally input a quantity for the item using the key pad. Thereafter, the final price for the item will be stored within the device. When the consumer checks-out, he/she can compare the stored price for the item to a register-based price as determined by a (cash) register. Under the present invention, the comparison can be made by manually comparing the receipt against the final price stored in the device. Alternatively, the device itself can perform the comparison. In the case of the latter, the comparison can be made by reading the register-based price from the receipt using the OCR reader, or by placing the device in communication with the register to receive the register-based price.
- Referring now to
FIG. 1 , an illustrative price verification device (hereinafter “device”) 10 according to the present invention is shown. As shown inFIG. 1 , the teachings of the present invention could be incorporated within a cellular telephone. However it should be appreciated that this need not be the case. For example,device 10 could be a personal digital assistant or any other type of portable device. In any event, under thepresent invention device 10 includesbarcode reader 12 and Optical Character Recognition (OCR)reader 14. As will be further described in conjunction withFIG. 2 ,device 10 could also include a receiver for receiving signals from other electronic devices such as a cash register.Device 10 is also shown including an optionalkey pad 16 to allow a consumer to input a quantity corresponding to a purchased item. The functions of these features will be further described below in conjunction withFIGS. 2-5 . It should also be appreciated thatbar code scanner 12 andOCR reader 14 can be implemented as separate components (as shown inFIG. 2 ), or they could be implemented as a single component ondevice 10. - Referring now to
FIG. 2 ,device 10 is shown in greater detail. As depicted,device 10 generally compriseskey pad 16, central processing unit (CPU) 20,memory 22,bus 24, input/output (I/O) interfaces 26 andstorage unit 28.CPU 20 may comprise a single processing unit, or be distributed across one or more processing units in one or more locations, e.g., on a client and server.Memory 22 may comprise any known type of data storage and/or transmission media, including magnetic media, optical media, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), a data cache, etc. Moreover, similar toCPU 20,memory 22 may reside at a single physical location, comprising one or more types of data storage, or be distributed across a plurality of physical systems in various forms. - I/O interfaces 26 may comprise any system for exchanging information to/from an external source such as
key pad 16. In addition, although not shown, other external devices/resources such as speakers, a CRT, LCD screen, handheld device, keyboard, mouse, voice recognition system, speech output system, printer, monitor/display may be incorporated intodevice 10.Bus 24 provides a communication link between each of the components indevice 10 and likewise may comprise any known type of transmission link, including electrical, optical, wireless, etc. -
Storage unit 28 can be any system (e.g., database) capable of providing storage for information under the present invention. Such information could include, for example, final prices, etc. As such,storage unit 28 could include one or more storage devices, such as a magnetic disk drive or an optical disk drive. Although not shown, additional components, such as cache memory, communication systems, system software, etc., may be incorporated intodevice 10. - Shown in
memory 22 ofdevice 10 as a program product isverification system 30, which includesbarcode system 32,OCR system 34,quantity system 36,price calculation system 38,storage system 40,comparison system 42 andcommunication system 44. Although these systems will be further described below, it should be generally understood thatbarcode system 32 contains the program code/logic necessary for controllingbarcode scanner 12, whileOCR system 34 contains the program code/logic for controllingOCR reader 14 and for converting the readings taken thereby into standard characters. As such,systems - In any event, when a consumer wishes to purchase an
item 45, he/she will first locate alabel 46 associated withitem 45.Label 46 can be an advertisement, a label affixed to the item, a label positioned on ashelf holding item 45 in the retail store, etc. In general,label 46 will include abarcode 50 that specifically identifiesitem 45 as well as aprice 52 corresponding thereto. Referring toFIG. 3 ,label 46 is shown in greater detail. As more clearly depicted,label 46 includes printedbarcode 50 and printedprice 52. - Referring to
FIG. 4 , oncelabel 46 has been located, the consumer will scanbarcode 50 usingbarcode scanner 12 ofdevice 10. The scanned image will be received and recognized by barcode system 32 (FIG. 2 ). The consumer will also readprice 52 for item 45 (FIG. 2 ) that is printed onlabel 46 usingOCR reader 14. As indicated above, OCR system 34 (FIG. 2 ) will convert the reading into actual characters. Oncebarcode 50 has been scanned andprice 52 has been read, the consumer can then optionally input a quantity foritem 45 using key pad 16 (ifdevice 10 includes key pad 16). If a quantity is input, it will be received by quantity system 36 (FIG. 2 ). - Referring back to
FIG. 2 , after the consumer has performed these functions,price calculation system 38 will compute a final price foritem 45 based on the readprice 52 and the quantity input (if any). If the consumer has not input a quantity, the final price will beprice 52 as determined byOCR reader 14 and OCR system 34 (e.g., $2.99). Alternatively, if the consumer has input a quantity,price calculation system 38 will calculate the final price by multiplyingprice 52 by the input quantity. For example, if the consumer input a quantity of four (4), the final price would be as follows:
$2.99*4=$11.96
In any event, once the final price is known,storage system 40 will store the same instorage unit 28. - At this point, the consumer is ready to verify whether the price on
label 46 is correct. Specifically, when consumer checks out viacash register 49, the register-based price of item 45 (i.e., as printed onreceipt 48 generated by cash register 49) will be compared with the final price as stored instorage unit 28. Specifically, referring toFIG. 5 ,receipt 48 is shown in greater detail. As depicted,receipt 48 lists a set ofitems 60 purchased by the consumer as well as their corresponding register-basedprices 62. Under the present invention, register-basedprices 62 would be compared against the final prices for set ofitems 60 as stored instorage unit 28. Assume in this example that “Item 1” onreceipt 48 corresponds toitem 45 ofFIG. 2 . Further assume that the final price foritem 45 was $2.99 (a quantity of “1”). In this case, a price discrepancy exists to the detriment of the consumer. Under the present invention, the discrepancy would be detected by comparing the register-based price printed onreceipt 48 to the final price stored indevice 10. - Referring back to
FIG. 2 , the comparison can be made in a number of ways. In one embodiment, the consumer will obtainreceipt 48 as printed bycash register 49 and manually compare the register-based price foritem 46 printed thereon to the final price stored indevice 10. In another embodiment, consumer can read the register-based price printed onreceipt 48 usingOCR reader 14 andOCR system 34. Once the register-based price has been received,comparison system 42 can make the comparison automatically and inform the consumer if a discrepancy exists. - In still yet another embodiment,
device 10 can communicate withcash register 49 directly. In this case, the communication betweendevice 10 andcash register 49 can occur through a wireless connection, or via a hardwired connection. For example, in the case of the former,device 10 could include areceiver 18 for receiving information fromcash register 49. The price information could be received bycommunication system 44 and passed tocomparison system 42 for the comparison against the final price as stored instorage unit 28. This type of wireless communication could be implemented similar to the known manner in which personal digital assistants and other wireless devices exchange information with each other (commonly known as “beaming”). For a hardwired connection,cash register 49 could include a docking port or cradle into whichdevice 10 is “plugged” or “docked.” Once a connection has been established, the register-based price information could be communicated todevice 10 viacommunication system 44. - The present invention thus provides numerous advantages over previous embodiments. Specifically, not only can it be used to track price discrepancies between a list price and a price actually charged, but it can also be used to track price increases or decreases, find un-advertised sales, track pricing differentiation among stores, etc.
- It should also be understood that the present invention can be realized in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. Any kind of computer system(s)—or other apparatus adapted for carrying out the methods described herein—is suited. A typical combination of hardware and software could be a general purpose computer system with a computer program that, when loaded and executed, carries out the respective methods described herein. Alternatively, a specific use computer, containing specialized hardware for carrying out one or more of the functional tasks of the invention, could be utilized. The present invention can also be embedded in a computer program product, which comprises all the respective features enabling the implementation of the methods described herein, and which—when loaded in a computer system—is able to carry out these methods. Computer program, software program, program, or software, in the present context mean any expression, in any language, code or notation, of a set of instructions intended to cause a system having an information processing capability to perform a particular function either directly or after either or both of the following: (a) conversion to another language, code or notation; and/or (b) reproduction in a different material form.
- The foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of this invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed, and obviously, many modifications and variations are possible. Such modifications and variations that may be apparent to a person skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of this invention as defined by the accompanying claims. For example, the illustrative representation of
verification system 30 shown inFIG. 2 is not intended to be limiting. That is, the functions of the present invention described herein could be represented by a different configuration of systems.
Claims (28)
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Cited By (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US20060192762A1 (en) * | 2005-02-28 | 2006-08-31 | Corrion Bradley W | Multi-function optical input device |
US20090094140A1 (en) * | 2007-10-03 | 2009-04-09 | Ncr Corporation | Methods and Apparatus for Inventory and Price Information Management |
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